September 2-13, 2024

In the fall of 2024, Ken Hensley, Kenny Burchard, and Msgr. Jeffrey Steenson of The Coming Home Network International will be leading a group on pilgrimage through Poland. This is a “Deep in History” pilgrimage. Yes, we want to experience the beauty of one of the most historically Catholic countries in the world, its landscape, art, and architecture. We want to explore some of the great cities of Poland, including Warsaw, Czestochowa, Zakopane, and beautiful Krakow. But behind all of this will be a focus on the truth, history, and beauty of the Catholic Church. We will pray and celebrate Mass in some of the most beautiful churches in the world. We will learn about some of the great saints of our faith: St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Faustina, St. Edith Stein, and especially Pope St. John Paul II. All three leaders of this pilgrimage, being converts to the Catholic Church with decades of experience behind them as ordained Protestant clergy, bring to their teaching the excitement of those who have found a great treasure hidden in a field and sold everything to buy that field. Please consider joining us! It will be a wonderful time for us to share our stories and forge life-long friendships as we experience the power of Catholic Poland. (For more information about the historical and theological content of this pilgrimage, contact Ken Hensley with CHN at kenh@chnetwork.org. For information about travel and logistics, please contact Maggie McDaniel at maggie@catholicfaithjourneys.com or 419-290-8782)

CLICK HERE to Download the REGISTRATION FORM

Travel Itinerary*
*Subject to change

Day 1, Monday Sept 2: USA / Warsaw
Depart USA for our overnight flight to Warsaw.

Day 2, Tuesday Sept 3: Warsaw
Upon arrival in Warsaw, meet your tour manager, transfer to the hotel and check-in. Depending on flight arrival time we will celebrate Mass at St. James Church where Helena Kowalska (the future St. Faustina) prayed extensively, confessed all that burdened her soul, and asked for the advice of Rev. James Dąbrowski which eventually resulted in the Saint entering the convent. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at the local restaurant. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday Sept 4 Warsaw
After breakfast we celebrate Mass where Helena Kowalska entered the convent, pending confirmation. Following Mass, our group will explore the Old Town, comprised of beautiful maze-like cobblestone streets and picturesque architecture that are symbols of Poland’s successful rebuild following its destruction during World War II. We will visit the Market Square, the Barbican, defense-like structures that have been rebuilt following World War II, and the monument that commemorates the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943 during World War II. (exterior views) After lunch, on your own, visit the Stanislaw Kostka Church and view a special exhibit dedicated to Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko, killed by communists in 1984. (B, D)

Day 4, Thursday Sept 5: Warsaw – Niepokalanow – Czestochowa
After breakfast we check out of our hotel and make our way to the Franciscan Monastery Niepokalanow – the Immaculata city built by Fr. Maximillian Kolbe. This remarkable saint was arrested by the Nazis and died in Auschwitz. After lunch, on your own, we will depart for Czestochowa, the center of Poland’s religious life and home of the famous icon of the Black Madonna, venerated as the “Queen of Poland” and has become the country’s national symbol. Upon arrival we check into our hotel. You may wish to Participate in the evening devotions, if available. Dinner and overnight in Czestochowa. (B, D)

Day 5, Friday Sept 6: Czestochowa – Zakopane
After breakfast we will visit the world famous Shrine of Jasna Gora, the hill-top Pauline Monastery which houses the 600-year-old Miraculous Icon known as the “Black Madonna.” Pope St. John Paul II made frequent visits to this monastery throughout his life. Tradition tells us that this icon was painted by St. Luke the Evangelist, discovered by St. Helen, and later enshrined in Poland. We will celebrate Mass at one of the chapels. After lunch, on your own, we will make our way to Zakopane, Poland’s winter capital nestled in the Tatra’s mountains and a place close to the heart of St. John Paul II. As a child he hiked and skied along its trails. As a priest and Bishop, he initiated youth activities along the same areas. Upon arrival check in to the hotel and dinner. (B, D)

Day 6, Saturday Sept 7: Zakopane
After breakfast we will experience a funicular ride to the heights of Mt. Gubalowka, (subject to confirmation) and favorable weather conditions, for a stunning view of the Tatra Mountains and the town of Zakopane. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city and visit the Jaszczorowka Chapel. This architecturally distinct chapel was visited many times by the young, Karol Wojtyla. As a young boy, Karol often used the walking paths surrounding the chapel for much prayer and reflection. Later we will take a ride on the horse carriages through the forest ending at wooden hut with “bigos” (national Polish dish) and sausages on bonfire. Time permitting enjoy free time for shopping at Krupowki Street in the local bazaar. Tonight enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with a traditional folklore show. (B, D)

Day 7, Sunday Sept 8: Zakopane – Krakow
After breakfast and check out we depart to Krakow. En route we will stop in Sromowce Nizne and enjoy a raft trip down the Dunajec River through the Pieniny Gorge and along the Polish-Slovak border, which is one of the greatest tourist attractions in Poland. The serene tour begins at the raft wharf in Sromowce Nizne and ends 9-miles later in Szczawnica. The towering cliffs, the gorge’s limestone rock formations, the picturesque mountain scenery, and the colorful river guides make for a wonderful day in a pristine and wild environment. The raft trip lasts up to three hours, depending on the water level of the river. After our ride on the river we proceed to Krakow for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 8, Monday Sept 9: Krakow
After breakfast we make our way to Wawel Hill where we will tour the Cathedral to see the tombs of St. Stanislaw, St. Hedwig, and the final resting place of Polish kings, poets and national heroes. We continue to Market Square where we visit the Mariacki Church, famous for its Witt Stwosz wooden altar followed by the call of the trumpeter from the hejnal. Lunch on your own. The remainder of day is free to shop and explore on your own. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 9, Tuesday Sept 10: Krakow – Auschwitz – Wadowice – Krakow
After breakfast transfer to Oswiecim to visit Auschwitz Concentration Camp, pending confirmation and availability, where St. Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein) faced martyrdom and St. Maximilian Kolbe died in the Death Block from starvation after volunteering his life for that of a fellow prisoner. View the cell that imprisoned the Christ-like, St. Maximilian Kolbe, and visit the Martyrdom Museum. This afternoon we will visit Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla (Pope St. John Paul II). While in this small city, you will have the opportunity to visit his childhood home and the church where this beloved Saint was baptized and attended Mass as a child. Celebrate Mass at the church of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Return to Krakow for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 10, Wednesday Sept 11: Krakow – Wieliczka – Kalwaria Zebrzydowska – Krakow
After breakfast we travel to Wieliczka to see the oldest salt mine in Europe, pending confirmation, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a unique place where many generations of Polish miners created an underground world of decorated chapels, including the famous Blessed Kings Chapel, plus other galleries and workings made of salt. After our visit we drive to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska to visit the Sanctuary of the Passion and of the Madonna, visited by John Paul ll. Dinner and overnight in Krakow. (B, D)

Day 11, Thursday Sept 12: Krakow – Lagiewniki – Have No Fear – Krakow
This morning, transfer to the Divine Mercy Center in Lagiewniki and start the day by celebrating Mass. See the Basilica of the Divine Mercy, which was consecrated by St. John Paul II during his last trip to Poland. Visit the convent and Chapel of the Apparitions and see the tomb of St. Faustina Kowalska. Then, transfer nearby to the “Have No Fear” John Paul II Center to pray in the Sanctuary of St. John Paul II, a chapel with relics of the former pope, including a vial of his blood. Lunch on your own. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure before a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Krakow (B, D)

Day 12, Friday Sept 13: Krakow departure
Today we depart for the airport for our return trip to the USA.

NOTES:  While no changes are anticipated, there may be occasions when sequence and days of visits may change and certain alterations become necessary due to changes and or closures that our beyond our control. We are not responsible for any changes to entry/travel requirements put into effect by Governments, Health Organizations, Airlines, transfer countries, arriving countries, return country, museums, Churches, restaurants etc. We are not responsible for any or all changes / cancellations / interruptions caused by Force majeure. Arriving and departing flights may affect the first and last day itinerary. All Mass locations listed are subject to final confirmation.

You must be physically fit and capable of walking on uneven terrain and being on your feet all day. (Foreign entities do not have the “American Disabilities Act” – accommodations in the US are not available in many other countries.) Everyone is responsible for handling their own luggage and keeping pace with the group.

To register for this pilgrimage please read, complete and sign the registration form, and the Health release form and return with your deposit. In todays uncertain times all prices are subject to change prior to departure due to major currency fluctuations, changes in fuel prices and/or unforeseen economic circumstances beyond our control.

[Click to download Travel Itinerary and Registration Form]

COST

The discount price of $4,599.00 per person, for Land-Only, is enjoyed by those paying with Cash or Check (based on a minimum of 30 participants with double occupancy). GROUP AIR: Add $1,029.00 per person to the Land-Only cost (Cash/Check). Please contact Maggie for flight information. If you are booking your own air/connecting flights, separate from the group, DO NOT PURCHASE FLIGHTS WITHOUT SPEAKING TO MAGGIE FIRST! (we want to be sure there is no change to group air to protect your own purchase). Call or text 419-290-8782 or email maggie@CatholicFaithJourneys.com 

Included:

•  10 nights hotel
•  Breakfast and dinner daily
•  English speaking tour escort/guide throughout
•  Private motor coach throughout
•  Transfers to/from international airport
•  Daily Mass, locations pending
•  Private Mass arrangements daily (Locations noted pending confirmation)
•  All tips to our guides and driver.
•  Taxes and fuel surcharge (subject to increase 30 days prior to departure)

Not Included:

• Group round trip air from JFK / WAW with transfer in MUC. KRK / JFK with transfer in ZRH
  Group Air from JFK available at additional charge: $1,029.00 per person.
• Transportation to NEW YORK (JFK)
• Optional Travel insurance: (strongly recommended; an affiliated link to our trusted partner)
•  Lunches and beverages with meals.
•  Items of personal nature
•  Any items not specifically mentioned
• Any/all Covid-19 OR any test(s) that may be required by the airlines, departing/arriving country and transfer country. (Nothing required at the time of this printing.).
• Any airline imposed baggage fees.
•  Limited Single rooms **Call Maggie for availability and cost, 419-290-8782

**Catholic Faith Journeys, LLC cannot change the cancellation terms or conditions based on the issuance of any warning or advisory issued by the State Department or Center of Disease Control, or the occurrence of any terror, health or other incident in one or more of the places this pilgrimage is scheduled to visit. All cancellation penalties remain in full force and effect. You are strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect your financial investment and any health issues you may have while traveling.

Click Here to Download the Registration Form!